An interagency task force investigating disgraced Washington lobbyists Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon has subpoenaed an organization founded by Interior Secretary Gale Norton, The Hill newspaper reports.

The Council of Republicans for Environmental Advocacy received $175,000 from two tribal clients of Abramoff and lobbied on behalf of them at his bidding, the paper said. CREA contacted officials like former deputy secretary J. Steven Griles in a "you-scratch-my-back, I�ll-scratch-yours situation," a source said.

CREA was seen as being close to Interior because it was founded by Norton and is operated by her associates. The organization denied being a "target" of any investigation.

Get the Story:
DOJ subpoenas GOP group (The Hill 3/1)

Relevant Links:
Council of Republicans for Environmental Advocacy - http://www.crea-online.org/crea

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